Not for father!! Dhruv Jurel explains his special century celebration in Ahmedabad Test

The 24-year-old India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel has revealed the reason behind his special celebration following an excellent hundred in the first Test against the West Indies National Cricket Team.

Dhruv Jurel slammed his maiden century in Test cricket in the series opener against Roston Chase-led West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, October 3.

Dhruv Jurel fills Rishabh Pant's shoes very well

Jurel is currently featuring in the playing XI of the Indian Test team due to the absence of the star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant from the squad.

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Rishabh Pant was sidelined for the West Indies tour of India 2025 because of the injury he sustained during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against the England National Cricket Team.

During the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, while playing a premeditated reverse sweep off pacer Chris Woakes, he under-edged the ball onto his boot, which led to him suffering a fractured foot.

It was initially expected that the wicketkeeper-batsman would recover in time for the matches against West Indies, but that didn't happen, and he is currently undergoing his rehabilitation programme, with his return likely to happen in the home series against South Africa.

In Pant's absence, the selectors named Ravindra Jadeja as Shubman Gill's deputy in the Test team. Also, it allowed Jurel to play as the wicketkeeper-batsman in the India playing XI.

I will like to dedicate this to them (Indian Army) for what they do - Dhruv Jurel

Jurel made the most of the opportunity he got and smashed his maiden Test century in Ahmedabad. After reaching the feat, he pulled off a gun salute celebration.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Dhruv Jurel, who is the son of a Kargil war veteran, stated that his salute after reaching the fifty was for his father, but his century celebration was for the Indian Army.

"The salute (celebration) after reaching my fifty was for my father, but for the hundred, it was something that I had in my mind for a very long time because I have been so close to the Indian Army, I've seen my father since my childhood," Jurel said.

"What we do on the ground and what they do on the battlefield is very difficult and you cannot compare that. I will always have my respect and whatever I will do in the future will be for them."

"I will like to dedicate this to them (Indian Army) for what they do. I have seen them closely how it is like and I remain very fascinated in those things. I also used to keep asking my father. I will dedicate it to those who deserve," he said further.

It's about the privilege, a lot of people remain with the squad - Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel further said that staying in the Indian Test squad is a privilege for him, and he keeps himself ready at all times to deliver for India whenever he gets the opportunity.

"It's about the privilege, a lot of people remain with the squad. Even if I am not playing I keep working hard so that I can deliver when there is an opportunity. It comes with discipline, and I keep myself motivated," Jurel said further.

Also Read: KL Rahul explains his unique century celebration after breaking 9-year drought at home